Making an impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ students

As a queer person who once struggled with their mental health, University of Delaware graduate student Lauren Dombrowski keenly understands how important it is to support LGBTQ+ youth in schools. As a high schooler, Dombrowski created a website with mental health resources for their LGBTQ+ peers, placing QR codes on bathroom mirrors so that students could discreetly access the site.

"I want to be a positive support person for LGBTQ+ students that I didn't have growing up," said Dombrowski, a graduate student in the College of Education and Human Development's (CEHD) school psychology program. "I did not always feel as though I fit in, and it felt othering and isolating to go through this alone. My lived experiences now give me a unique perspective when working with LGBTQIA+ youth. I view situations through a different lens than some of my colleagues, which is a strength of mine."

Now in the third year of the program, Dombrowski draws on their personal experiences and the strengths of UD's program to make a difference in the lives of Delaware adolescents.

Supporting LGBTQ+ students

After earning an undergraduate degree in psychology and child development at Central Michigan University, Dombrowski turned to UD's school psychology program, impressed by its faculty and eager to live on the East Coast. Dombrowski immediately connected with the program's commitment to serving all students, as well as the many practicum experiences it offered and professional development opportunities.

"Project GROW was a big draw for me," Dombrowski said. "This grant-funded project led by Dr. Brittany Zakszeski focuses on growing resilience, opportunities and wellness within Delaware schools, and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of. This project puts UD's program ahead of other schools because we are given the unique opportunity to work in Delaware's high needs schools as well as receive additional training during our time in the program."

These real-world learning experiences in Delaware schools allowed Dombrowski to make an immediate and meaningful impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ students. For example, during Dombrowski's third practicum, they had the opportunity to work with a selectively mute trans student.

"This student struggled to talk to his teachers when he was unregulated, especially after being misgendered," Dombrowski recalled. "Instead of pulling the student aside to talk 'at him' about the situation, I was able to collaborate with him in creating communication cards that not only allowed him to functionally communicate, but also advocate for himself."

Using skills they learned in UD's program, Dombrowski helped the student create "yes" and "no" communication cards, as well as cards for his name and what pronouns he used.

"My site supervisor, Missy Weyl, and I were able to address a root issue that the child was facing, which allowed us to come up with solutions to support him within the school," Dombrowski said.

As a full-time school psychology intern this year, Dombrowski continues to form meaningful connections with even more Delaware students and staff.

"Being able to be in the schools full time and immerse myself in the daily routines of a school psychologist has been incredibly rewarding," Dombrowski said.

Dombrowski's UD experience

In addition to their practicum experiences, Dombrowski is grateful for the supportive community of faculty, supervisors and peers that they've found at UD. While Dombrowski's personal experience ignited their passion for supporting young people of all identities and backgrounds, UD's program helped them continue to grow and learn how to best provide that support.

"I have loved the sense of community that UD's school psychology program brings," Dombrowski said. "I truly have found a home here in the program, and I am so thankful for my close-knit cohort. I am also incredibly grateful for the faculty and supervisors at UD. They have created a safe place for me to learn and grow while supporting me when needed. They truly go the extra mile to make sure that their students are able to thrive in grad school."

Resources for UD students

UD's Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion offers many resources for students and UD community members, including community-building programs, gender-inclusive housing, gender-affirming care resources and LGBTQ+ education workshops. UD's Student Health Services ensures that all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations have access to healthcare that meets their individual needs, and UD's Center for Counseling and Student Development offers individual and group counseling to all students seeking mental health support. Students may also consider joining the Lavender Programming Board, the Queer and Trans Graduate Student Union or other student organizations.